A+E Interactivehttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei
Bay Area Arts and Entertainment BlogMon, 30 Mar 2015 12:40:46 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1Best of SXSW: Our band could change your life – John Wesley Coleman IIIhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/30/best-of-sxsw-our-band-could-change-your-life-john-wesley-coleman-iii/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/30/best-of-sxsw-our-band-could-change-your-life-john-wesley-coleman-iii/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 12:40:46 +0000Michael Mayerhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=27520
John Wesley Coleman III Hometown: Austin, Texas Website: johnwesleycoleman.blogspot.com Finding Coleman was one of those SXSW things. A band isn’t as good as expected, you wander to find something else to hear. And you stumble into something wonderful and unexpected.… Continue Reading →]]>John Wesley Coleman III
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Website: johnwesleycoleman.blogspot.com
Finding Coleman was one of those SXSW things. A band isn't as good as expected, you wander to find something else to hear. And you stumble into something wonderful and unexpected.
I walked into a chaotic, jubilant, drunken, rockin, boogieing, dancing, teeny, tiny room with about 35 people in it, with all of them dancing their asses off to this incredibly soulful rock, and most of them seeming to know the singer and bringing him beer and shots and him pulling people up on stage and dancing with them, all without missing singing his lines, and the women bass player and drummer smiling ear to ear watching him hugging everybody in the place. He was on his knees, on his back, sitting on the monitor, standing on the amps. It was what live music is all about.
He is John Wesley Coleman III, an actual Austin artist, those are much rarer than in the past. Going to his website, I see he calls himself "Trash Poet Songwriter," and rambles there as he did in concert. I had to wonder, "How does he capture that live sound on a record?" And happily, the answer is "well." Highly recommended is his 2012 album, "Last Donkey Show."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idDRbXzO12I
]]>http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/30/best-of-sxsw-our-band-could-change-your-life-john-wesley-coleman-iii/feed/0jwcJohn Wesley Coleman III played Saturday night at Hotel Vegas in Austin for SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)Best of SXSW 2015: Our band could change your life – The Lees of Memoryhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/29/best-of-sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-the-lees-of-memory/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/29/best-of-sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-the-lees-of-memory/#commentsSun, 29 Mar 2015 12:57:42 +0000Michael Mayerhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=27515
The Lees of Memory Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee Website: www.facebook.com/TheLeesOfMemory After almost 20 years at the helm of indie-pop-grunge powerhouse Superdrag, John Davis brought his brand new band, The Lees of Memory, to Austin to test-drive material from its “Sisyphus Says”… Continue Reading →]]>The Lees of Memory
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Website: www.facebook.com/TheLeesOfMemory
After almost 20 years at the helm of indie-pop-grunge powerhouse Superdrag, John Davis brought his brand new band, The Lees of Memory, to Austin to test-drive material from its "Sisyphus Says" debut album. And this was a true test: the band played only its second show ever when it hit Soho Lounge early in the SXSW week. The Lees maintain Davis' ability to write an anthemic hook, but this time it's all heard through a wall-of-guitars shoegaze filter. And it all worked, with three guitars and three voices often joining to cut through the Austin night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp_l8204MGI
]]>http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/29/best-of-sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-the-lees-of-memory/feed/0leesThe Lees of Memory played at the Soho Lounge in Austin during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)Best of SXSW: Our band could change your life – Chuck Prophethttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/29/best-of-sxsw-our-band-could-change-your-life-chuck-prophet/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/29/best-of-sxsw-our-band-could-change-your-life-chuck-prophet/#commentsSun, 29 Mar 2015 12:23:38 +0000Michael Mayerhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=27509
Chuck Prophet Hometown: San Francisco Website: www.chuckprophet.com Chuck took the Steve Wynn Trophy for most crazy performing schedule this year, playing 11 shows, twice with less than two hours to play, break down their gear and get to the next… Continue Reading →]]>Chuck Prophet
Hometown: San Francisco
Website: www.chuckprophet.com
Chuck took the Steve Wynn Trophy for most crazy performing schedule this year, playing 11 shows, twice with less than two hours to play, break down their gear and get to the next gig across town. It's a particularly good time to see Chuck, on the heels of two great albums, "Temple Beautiful" and "Night Surfer," both packed with fun, sing-alongable songs played by the crack Mission Express. He was also in fine form comedically, noting about the old, atmosphere- and grime-laden Broken Spoke club, "What history in this place. If these walls could talk, they'd say ... 'clean me!!' " Don't pass up a chance to see Chuck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnxIv0F0OVo
]]>http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/29/best-of-sxsw-our-band-could-change-your-life-chuck-prophet/feed/0sxsw.prophetSan Francisco's Chuck Prophet played at the Broken Spoke during the Twangfest party at SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)Best of SXSW: The festival in photoshttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/28/best-of-sxsw-the-festival-in-photos/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/28/best-of-sxsw-the-festival-in-photos/#commentsSun, 29 Mar 2015 03:09:03 +0000Michael Mayerhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=27469
By Meri Simon and Michael Mayer The action at South by Southwest took place on stage — where more than 2,500 bands played in clubs, restaurants, parking lots and backyards — and on the streets of the “Live Music Capital… Continue Reading →]]>
By Meri Simon and Michael Mayer
The action at South by Southwest took place on stage -- where more than 2,500 bands played in clubs, restaurants, parking lots and backyards -- and on the streets of the "Live Music Capital of the World."
]]>http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/28/best-of-sxsw-the-festival-in-photos/feed/0sxsw.stvinny01Couches and recliners made the day easy for fans at the day stage at St. Vincent de Paul thrift store in Austin. (Photo by Meri Simon)sxsw.ultimateUltimate Painting plays at the club Latitude 30 in Austin for SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.yukon01Yukon Blonde plays at the club Bungalow in Austin during SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)sxsw.honey01Stina Tweeddale of Honeyblood at the club Lucille in Austin for SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)sxsw.honey02Honeyblood plays at Latitude 30 in Austin during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.courtney02Courtney Barnett performs at the Radio Day Stage in the Austin Convention Center on Friday, March 20 as part of SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)courtney01Courtney Barnett performs at the Radio Day Stage in the Austin Convention Center on Friday, March 20 as part of SXSW. (Photos by Meri Simon)sxsw.marlingLaura Marling at the club Mohawk in Austin for SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.statesThe band The Heavenly States, formerly of Oakland, played at Fado Irish Pub in Austin during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.dplanet04Diarrhea Planet drove the crowd crazy at Trinity Hall in Austin as part of SXSW. (Photos by Meri Simon)sxsw.dplanet03Jordan Smith and Diarrhea Planet rock out at Trinity Hall in Austin as part of SXSW. (Photos by Meri Simon)dplanet01Jordan Smith of the band Diarrhea Planet sings at Trinity Hall in Austin, Texas, on March 19 as part of SXSW. (Photos by Meri Simon)makthav01Maja Milner of Makthaverskan sings at the club Red 7 on Friday, March 20, during SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)wax04Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee had a message for a would-be crowd surfer who jumped up on stage next to her. (Photo by Meri Simon)sxsw.deslondesRain fell throughout most of Friday and Saturday but rarely stopped the music. Fans wore slickers to protect them during a set by The Deslondes at the club Gatsby in Austin during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.champeen01Michael Crow and Channing Lewis of Grand Champeen at Hole in the Wall in Austin for SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)sxsw.bullyNashville's Bully plays at the Billy Reid/American Songwriter party during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.bestThe band Best Coast plays in the Austin Convention Center during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.barberettes01Korea's Barberettes play in the Austin Convention Center as part of SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)sxsw.baratFormer Libertine Carl Barat and his band the Jackals played at Bar 96 in Austin for SXSW. (Photo by MIchael Mayer)sxsw.aquarium01North Carolina's American Aquarium plays at a day party stage at St. Vincent de Paul thrift store in Austin as part of SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)sxsw.dog01Sabrina Ellis and A Giant Dog play at Hole in the Wall in Austin for SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)sxsw.riffraffHurray for the Riff Raff plays at the Billy Reid/American Songwriter party during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.ratfist01Lead guitarist for Rat Fist headed out into the crowd during their set at the club Red 7 in Austin for SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)sxsw.rameshRamesh, former leader of the band Voxtrot, played at the club Holy Mountain in Austin during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.prophetSan Francisco's Chuck Prophet played at the Broken Spoke during the Twangfest party at SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.permitThe city gave some clubs permission to go extra late with loud music during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.pedicabA pedicab equipped to be a mobile band rolled through downtown Austin during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.palmaThe band Palma Violets play at the club Gatsby in Austin during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.makthav05Drummer Andreas Wettmark of Makthaverskan tried a little makeup during this day party show at the club Red 7 in Austin during SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)sxsw.white01Matthew E. White played the club Mohawk during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)white.primaDisplayed on a rack on stage while Matthew E. White played, was this Louis Prima album. (Photo by Michael Mayer)Best of SXSW: Our band could change your life – Laura Marlinghttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/27/best-of-sxsw-our-band-could-change-your-life-laura-marling/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/27/best-of-sxsw-our-band-could-change-your-life-laura-marling/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 23:46:48 +0000Michael Mayerhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=27463
Laura Marling Hometown: London Website: www.lauramarling.com Marling is a grizzled veteran despite her tender age, turning 25 just before arriving for SXSW. She started performing at 16 and released her first album at 18. By 22 she had received three… Continue Reading →]]>Laura Marling
Hometown: London
Website: www.lauramarling.com
Marling is a grizzled veteran despite her tender age, turning 25 just before arriving for SXSW. She started performing at 16 and released her first album at 18. By 22 she had received three nominations for the Mercury Music Prize, awarded to the best album made in the United Kingdom. Her folk music has never been easy. Listeners who want standard chord progressions and time signatures won't get them from Marling. And her lyrics were often less than clear and direct.
Now comes Short Movie, her fifth album, which offers a little more in the way of accessibility for the masses and her live show does the same. Marling is a prodigious guitarist who often appeared all alone with just an acoustic guitar. But at SXSW, she showed off a four-piece band, a lot of electric guitar and a big rock sound. It's not such a sea change that her old fans will be turned off, but she should be able to attract new ones who were close before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqf7DxBAuSw
]]>http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/27/best-of-sxsw-our-band-could-change-your-life-laura-marling/feed/0sxsw.marlingLaura Marling at the club Mohawk in Austin for SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)Best of SXSW 2015: Our band could change your life – The Heavenly Stateshttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/27/best-of-sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-the-heavenly-states/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/27/best-of-sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-the-heavenly-states/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 10:23:03 +0000Michael Mayerhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=27446
The Heavenly States Hometown: Austin Website: www.theheavenlystates.com Ted Nesseth and The Heavenly States called the Bay Area home through the band’s early years. As Oakland residents they released three smart, tuneful albums and then went quiet. An EP filled the… Continue Reading →]]>The Heavenly States
Hometown: Austin
Website: www.theheavenlystates.com
Ted Nesseth and The Heavenly States called the Bay Area home through the band's early years. As Oakland residents they released three smart, tuneful albums and then went quiet. An EP filled the seven ensuing years but no fourth full-length in all that time. But the band, which relocated to Austin in 2012, now has that new album -- and it is as much message to the world as it is a collection of songs.
The album, called HISS, is a triple-disc set, it's on vinyl. Only on vinyl. As Nesseth said at the band's show at Fado Irish Pub, "No CDs, no downloads, fuck you Internet." He bemoans the "blase" online listener who can't be bothered to really pay attention.
On the THS website, Nesseth details the elaborate lengths the band went to in the making of HISS, seeking out the best in not only recording and engineering, but design, printing and manufacturing.
"It’s our 'if we never do anything ever again at least we did this' record," said keyboard/fiddle mainstay Genevieve Gagon on the band's site. And so the record ain't cheap. It's $50 for the package, a steep price even in an era of boutique pricing in the growing vinyl niche.
This show at Fado was one of the first tests of the material for the album and the new stuff comprised the entire 30-minute set. And the songs are strong, as appealing on first listen as the best of Delayer, which was probably the band's best album. Joyous and often beautiful guitar rock, with rhythmic and lyrical twists and turns typical of Nesseth and Gagon. The album seems aimed at diehard fans of the band, and the $50 investment will be a wise one for them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELWRg7G8C_8
]]>http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/27/best-of-sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-the-heavenly-states/feed/0sxsw.statesThe band The Heavenly States, formerly of Oakland, played at Fado Irish Pub in Austin during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)SXSW 2015: Our band could change your life – Honeybloodhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/26/sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-honeyblood/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/26/sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-honeyblood/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 03:18:40 +0000Michael Mayerhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=27438
Honeyblood Hometown: Glasgow, Scotland Website: http://honeyblood.co.uk/ Honeyblood is Scots Stina Tweeddale and Cat Myers, just the two of ‘em. You’ll think you’re hearing more with the thunder of Myers’ drumming and the sweep of Tweeddale’s guitar. Together they make indie… Continue Reading →]]>Honeyblood
Hometown: Glasgow, Scotland
Website: http://honeyblood.co.uk/
Honeyblood is Scots Stina Tweeddale and Cat Myers, just the two of 'em. You'll think you're hearing more with the thunder of Myers' drumming and the sweep of Tweeddale's guitar. Together they make indie rock that ranges from infectious power pop to majestic anthem. Myers hadn't yet joined the band when the album was recorded and you hear a noticeable step up in the live setting. And she practically dominates the live show, with her cymbals set so high that her arms describe windmills when she's doing one of her big flourishes. Tweeddale's lyrics feature super-singable chorus lines of dissatisfaction, "I will hate you forever," "Why won't you grow up," "I'd rather be anywhere but here." This was their second SXSW and they've nailed spots on an upcoming tour with Belle and Sebastian.
Here's a video of hit, Killer Bangs, but without Cat Myers on drums.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEz4_X7tshg
And live, doing Biro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib1yFtLRyPo
]]>http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/26/sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-honeyblood/feed/0sxsw.honey02Honeyblood plays at Latitude 30 in Austin during SXSW. (Photo by Michael Mayer)sxsw.honey01Stina Tweeddale of Honeyblood at the club Lucille in Austin for SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)With Zodiac, a French studio takes a stab at the Japanese RPGhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/26/with-zodiac-the-french-take-a-stab-at-the-japanese-rpg/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/26/with-zodiac-the-french-take-a-stab-at-the-japanese-rpg/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 16:32:44 +0000Gieson Cachohttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=27370
Zodiac is a French-made game with a Japanese soul. The influence is clear in everything from the art style to the gameplay. Kobojo CEO Mario Rizzo, the studio behind the upcoming mobile title, describes it as a persistent multiplayer story-driven… Continue Reading →]]>Zodiac is a French-made game with a Japanese soul. The influence is clear in everything from the art style to the gameplay. Kobojo CEO Mario Rizzo, the studio behind the upcoming mobile title, describes it as a persistent multiplayer story-driven Japanese role-playing game. It sounds ambitious as the team tries to meld Western and Eastern gaming traditions.
On one side, Rizzo says the team is striving for a game with high story content while the other end seeks to innovate with online functionality. Kobojo does this by allowing players create their main character and letting friends use that hero in their own party. Zodiac will be persistent in how a player's hero will level up their jobs and grow more powerful as they go through the campaign and are used by friends. I had a chance to check out the project earlier this month and it looked promising.
Players ride atop a griffin as they explore the world of Zodiac.
In the overworld, players and their party ride atop a griffin. It's essentially a 2D side-scroller at this point. Players tap an area and the the beast flies in that direction. The dungeons involve navigating through simple labyrinths that contain monsters that players can avoid or attack. There are also simple puzzles that they have to solve.
Zodiac looks gorgeous when players engage in turn-based combat. Players can take up to three members into battle with them. They can be a mix of nonplayable characters that are part of the narrative (There are four of them.) and heroes that friends have made. Finding the right balance will be key to success. In the demo, Eko was a healer that joins the party and I mixed him in with my character and a friend's monk hero.
The user interface is bare bones and shows off the beautiful art. Players just tap on a character to reveal actions. There are four abilities available with the option for the main character to switch among 12 available jobs. But keep in mind, changing the role will take up a turn.
The hand-drawn art looks gorgeous along with a user interface that shows it off.
In the fight, I found the Monk had a taunt that kept the attacks on him. That freed up my hero, an Alchemist, to shoot fire while Eko healed everyone when needed. The symbols at the bottom of the screen showed the battle order, health and status of those in the battle. Figuring out how to operate the menus was intuitive, especially if you've played JRPGs before.
What's especially notable about Zodiac is that Final Fantasy alumni Kazushige Nojima and Hitoshi Sakimoto offered to help out with the project. Nojima is writing the scenarios while Sakimoto is on board composing the music. The battle theme is catchy and will give players flashbacks to the classic JRPGs.
Other tidbits I discovered while talking to Rizzo was that there was a crafting system in play and no level cap or magic points. Zodiac works off a job system with a skill tree that resembles the ones used in Child of Light. Players will also travel to a central town that will be a hub for the adventures.
Expect Zodiac to launch sometime this year on PlayStation Vita and iOS.]]>http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/26/with-zodiac-the-french-take-a-stab-at-the-japanese-rpg/feed/0Unity 2015-03-02 18-36-07-99Unity 2015-03-02 18-56-25-49Unity 2015-03-02 18-34-30-52SXSW 2015: Our band could change your life – Courtney Barnetthttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/25/sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-courtney-barnett/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/25/sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-courtney-barnett/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 00:01:08 +0000Michael Mayerhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=27415
Courtney Barnett Hometown: Melbourne, Australia Website: www.courtneybarnett.com.au/ This Aussie guitarist and singer generated tons of buzz even before the release of her first full-length album this week, and she won over just about everyone who saw her as she swept… Continue Reading →]]>Courtney Barnett
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
Website: www.courtneybarnett.com.au/
This Aussie guitarist and singer generated tons of buzz even before the release of her first full-length album this week, and she won over just about everyone who saw her as she swept through six shows in Austin. Her propulsive, guitar-driven sound is intoxicating enough, but it’s her lyrics that have most made people take notice. They turn the day-to-day joys and aches of life into poetry, spiced with biting humor and rare candor and perceptiveness. (“Put me on a pedestal, I’ll only disappoint you; tell me I’m exceptional, I promise to exploit you; give me all your money and I’ll make you some origami, honey.”) The new album, “Sometimes I Sit and Think and Sometimes I Just Sit,” is also streaming online at her website and stirring up Album of the Year predictions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtEJuhHWRwc
]]>http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/25/sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-courtney-barnett/feed/0courtney01Courtney Barnett performs at the Radio Day Stage in the Austin Convention Center on Friday, March 20 as part of SXSW. (Photos by Meri Simon)sxsw.courtney02Courtney Barnett performs at the Radio Day Stage in the Austin Convention Center on Friday, March 20 as part of SXSW. (Photo by Meri Simon)SXSW 2015: Our band could change your life – Diarrhea Planethttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/25/sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-diarrhea-planet/
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/25/sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-diarrhea-planet/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 23:50:50 +0000Michael Mayerhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/?p=27400
Diarrhea Planet Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Website: http://diarrheaplanet.blogspot.com Let’s get it out of the way. Yes, it is the worst name in rock music. But don’t just write them off as sophomoric; in concert they are a serious musical force. The… Continue Reading →]]>Diarrhea Planet
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Website: http://diarrheaplanet.blogspot.com
Let’s get it out of the way. Yes, it is the worst name in rock music. But don’t just write them off as sophomoric; in concert they are a serious musical force. The Nashville sextet wields heavy metal and punk in equal measure, but with a tongue-in-cheek approach, saluting and skewering the cliches of each genre. Their four — yes, four — lead guitarists can drone with the best of them or blaze solos simultaneously. Their fans play along, moshing and crowd surfing without the venom sometimes found in those pits. Every one of their shows at SXSW ended in a sweaty, smiling mass of humanity with band members in hugs with fans.
<a
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mnb9cnsA6V4]]>http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2015/03/25/sxsw-2015-our-band-could-change-your-life-diarrhea-planet/feed/0dplanet01Jordan Smith of the band Diarrhea Planet sings at Trinity Hall in Austin, Texas, on March 19 as part of SXSW. (Photos by Meri Simon)sxsw.dplanet03Jordan Smith and Diarrhea Planet rock out at Trinity Hall in Austin as part of SXSW. (Photos by Meri Simon)sxsw.dplanet04Diarrhea Planet drove the crowd crazy at Trinity Hall in Austin as part of SXSW. (Photos by Meri Simon)